God Stop Friday...

It's hard to believe that it's once again Friday!! It's been awhile since I've been able to participate in God Stop Friday...and I'm SO thrilled to be able to join in this week.

This week, I Lord has been speaking to me through Isaiah 43:19 which says,

"For I am about to do a brand new thing.....I will make a pathway through the wilderness and rivers in the dessert."

God had truly been doing, exactly what his word says.

~God has been showing up AMAZINGLY in M's heart. Wednesday night M's mom asked me to come over and sit with them. When I arrived at their home they were sitting in their family room talking. It was such an amazing time as I listened to M's heart as she shared her thoughts, and feeling. It was one of those times when words didn't come easy; but rather, lending a listening ear was what was needed.

As we talked, listened, and prayed, I really believe that M had a MAJOR breakthrough. M's mom and I shared with her how the night before we gathered at their home and prayed that Jesus would sit at the head of their table....and we invited Jesus...to flood their home with his presence. M's listened.....pondered.....and it was so clear that the heart of stone, was breaking away.

I cannot answer WHY M's is going through this wilderness experience...but I did encourage her....that Jesus wants to hold her heart...and that she doesn't need to a boy to fill those lonely places.

Ashley (my daughter) has made this statement (I cannot find the quote so I'll try to remember exactly how it goes) that I shared with M...it says,

"I want my heart to be SO close to Jesus...that a boy has to go through him...to find it."

I really believe that M is finally realizing that there is a hole in her heart...that ONLY Jesus can fill. Regardless of her past mistakes and failures.....Jesus WILL turn the ashes of her heart...into Beauty. His word promises that!!!

Isaiah 61:3
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

~God also showed up in a powerful way concerning Andrew and spring basketball. Each year since 4th grade Andrew has gone from the winter basketball season right into spring/summer ball playing all year round. This of course, requires a lot of commitment as we do a lot of traveling for these teams.

We've been talking, and praying about direction for this season, as this year.....there are a lot of different dynamics to consider. We (dh and I) are very involved in the counseling ministry at our church which takes up every Saturday morning. Well, spring/summer ball is played Saturdays/Sundays and this would cause a great conflict, so we've been seeking God for his perfect will.

God has really blessed Andrew with an amazing talent for basketball and each year...each team he tries out for...he ALWAYS make the team. As he went to the tryout Monday night, my dh sent me a few text messages telling me that if Andrew DIDN'T make the team...it would have to be the Lord...as he was on his "A" game...he was lightin' up the court and was having an AMAZING tryout.

Well...he didn't make the team, and this was TRULY God!!

First, we were so proud of how Andrew handled defeat.....he then began some research, and found an alternative. Due to his skill level.....playing spring tournaments isnt' something that will really help his game, but rather, he found a program that will develop his strength...endurance....and much improve his quickness.

Heres the neat part:

~Andrew will do this 3 times a week...after school and before we get home from work

~The cost of the 9 month program....is the SAME as if he would have played spring ball

~We DON'T have to give up weekends for basketball which would require us to miss church and our counseling times.

God SHOWED up .......BIG...time..in BIG ways!!

God has been teaching our entire family that he is ALWAYS with us....making a way. Even during the times when we may feel as though we are in the desert, walking along a peaceful stream, on the mountaintop, or in the valley!!

I'm so thankful that my Savior died for me.....and makes a way...where there seems to be no way.when we seek him...then shall we find him...and regardless...of what I face.....I have an amazing Savior.....who will rescue me...and lead me.

Praying that each of you...have an amazing...God Stop Friday!!!


For more God Stop Fridays, go here!
Kim~